IOWA – A large, potent winter storm is set to bring blizzard conditions to parts of the Midwest today, including portions of western and northern Iowa. Those locations are expected to bring moderate to heavy snowfall and strong winds gusting to 50 mph or more producing near zero visibilities and blizzard conditions, according to the National Weather Service. Main communities impacted are Algona, Storm Lake, Fort Dodge, Carroll, and Mason City. Those wind gusts over 50 mph or more will also extend farther south and east into locations receiving little or no snowfall. This may result in some tree and power line damage, even in locations that don’t receive much in the way of wintry precipitation.

CEDAR RAPIDS – A woman charged with human trafficking has pleaded guilty to prostitution and conspiracy charges. KCRG-TV reports Tana Torres and Jarod Anderson picked up a teenager and forced her into prostitution. Torres entered the plea this week after a jury found Anderson guilty of human trafficking and sexual abuse charges last week. Torres testified against Anderson, claiming she was also a victim and sharing that he targeted women from the area who were at a low point in their lives.

DES MOINES – Des Moines Area Community College has had its lawsuit claiming Drake University defamed it as part of a legal dispute over school logos has been denied. Iowa Capital Dispatch Reports DMACC was cautioned about its move the accusation. This stems from a lawsuit Drake University has brought against the community college for a block-lettered “D” logo and blue-and-white color scheme. A chief district judge ruled Drake would like prevail in the case, and ruled DMACC needed to stop using the newly-created logo. The defamation claim came from an email sent to Drake University Alumni about the lawsuit.